Re: RUNNING HOT AT IDLE - '89 750il

I know you said everything checks out, but it sounds to me like the electric fan to the front of the radiator. I, too had replaced darn near everything but still had the same problem.

The main fan can't keep it cool alone, but I think the electric fan could keep it cool even if the viscous clutch weren't working properly. I'd suspect its the thermostatic electric sending switch on the right side of the radiator that turns on the electric fan. If its not already new, I'd spend $10 and replace it. Mine was apparently working sporadically.

I suppose you have visually checked to make sure the electric fan was working when hot? At low speed when a/c turns on and at high when hot? Cross the three wires at the plug to ensure the fan turns on both speeds.

FWIW, my new viscous fan clutch seems to always be fully engaged when first cranked cold, moving a lot of air, then releases after two or three minutes, and you can seea and hear and feel the reduced flow of air. But even the new one can easily be stopped with a paper towel roll when running, so that's not a test. A bad one will either free wheel 3 or 4 or 5 rotations when spun, or will be really hard to turn. I believe that, if you have the hood up, not enough hot air passes the clutch to fully engage it. It stays too cool. FWIW.

Good luck.
Lin Gilbert
1990 750iL

My '89 750il runs at just above 1/2 on guage even in 110 degree weather - EXCEPT when stopped and idling in hot weather. Then temperature climbs up to RED ZONE! The sensors and fans are working,thermostat replaced,cooling system has been flushed. It seems to need more air circulating under the hood (I know there isn't much room there). Need to fix before summer. Any suggestions?? Will appreciate any help. Thanks- George
richterg@netnevada.net

Follow Ups:

Electric alone can't do the job.... Adnan 20:36 1/21/2001 (0)

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